Welcome to the Familia: Introducing Executive Chef Jake Dmochowski
- Mercedes Dahl
- Jan 24
- 3 min read
Before a single dish is plated, before a flame hits the grill or smoke fills the air, every great restaurant begins with people, their stories, their values, and the heart they bring into the kitchen each day. At Chula’s, our vision has always been about more than serving incredible food. It’s about honoring culture, celebrating tradition, and creating a space where everyone who walks through our doors feels like familia.
As we prepare to open Chula’s Mexican-Latin Food & Spirits in downtown Prior Lake, we knew finding the right executive chef was one of the most important decisions we would make. We weren’t just looking for talent, we were looking for integrity, humility, curiosity, and a deep respect for the stories behind the food. Someone who understands that cooking is both craft and connection.
That search led us to Chef Jake Dmochowski.
With more than three decades of experience, a career shaped by diverse kitchens and cultures, and a genuine passion for learning and honoring food traditions, Jake brings exactly the kind of leadership Chula’s was built on. His journey reflects the same values we hold close, family, hard work, and the belief that the best meals are the ones shared together.
Now, we’re proud to officially welcome him into the Chula’s familia!
Where it all began: A Grandmother's Kitchen Table
Jake’s love for food began where some of the best food stories always do: at his grandmother’s kitchen table in a small Michigan town near Lansing. Those early moments sparked a lifelong curiosity about ingredients, technique, and the power of a well-cooked meal to bring people together. From a young age, Jake was drawn to the craft, especially butchery and the art of roasting, braising, and smoking large cuts of meat until they’re perfectly tender.
A 30+ Year Culinary Journey Across Kitchens and Cultures
After attending culinary school in Denver, Colorado, Jake’s professional journey took him across the country and beyond, from Lansing, Michigan to Puerto Rico, where he met his wife, and eventually to the Twin Cities, which he has proudly called home for most of the last two decades.
In the Minneapolis area, Jake has built a respected and well-rounded career, including time at Barbette, The Strip Club Meat & Fish alongside Chef JD Fratzke, Kieran’s Irish Pub, Cooper Pub, and most recently as Executive Chef at Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub for the past three years. Along the way, he has also worked in hotels, explored Korean cuisine, served as a butcher, and held leadership roles as a culinary director, experiences that shaped both his technical skill and thoughtful leadership style.
A New Challenge at Chula's
What makes Chula’s especially exciting for Jake is the opportunity to fully immerse himself in Mexican and Latin American cuisine in a professional setting. For more than 30 years, he has worked alongside people from across Latin America and witnessed the deep love they have for the foods of their homes. While these flavors have long influenced his personal cooking, this chapter represents a new challenge, one he approaches with respect, excitement, and curiosity.
Having lived in Puerto Rico for several years, Jake brings a unique perspective shaped by the flavors, rhythms, and soul of the Caribbean. That influence, paired with his classical training and Midwest roots, will help shape a menu that honors tradition while offering thoughtful, unexpected touches.
At Chula’s, our mission has always been to create a place that feels like home, where everyone is familia and every meal is made with care. Chef Jake’s journey, values, and passion for food align beautifully with that vision.
We can’t wait for you to experience what he’s creating in our kitchen. Menu sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes moments, and more official introductions are coming soon!
Bienvenidos, Chef Jake.